Happy Birthday, Lou: Cubs 6, Phillies 4
by Al Yellon on Aug 29, 2008 7:39 AM CDT
in Chicago Cubs Recaps
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PrintSo you tell me. What if I had written yesterday afternoon:
The Cubs are going to be shut down by Cole Hamels and Ryan Dempster is going to not have his best stuff; they're going to go into the 8th inning trailing 4-1 but win anyway when Aramis Ramirez hits a grand slam.
You'd have laughed your head off, even in this year of superlative after superlative. But that's exactly what happened, to the amazed delight of a near-playoff intensity crowd (oddly enough, at 40,362, the smallest paid crowd since May 30), giving Lou Piniella the best 65th birthday present he could have asked for, a 6-4 win, the Cubs' sixth in a row.
As the game progressed toward the sixth and seventh innings, I was thinking about what I'd write about Hamels' dominance... he is, after all, one of the top pitchers in the game, and sometimes you have to give credit to the other team, the other guy; the Phillies are a playoff contender and a fine offensive team with three thirty-homer men, and I figured I'd just say, cliché-filled, "Well, you can't win 'em all, we'll get 'em tomorrow", but these Cubs would have none of that.
As soon as Hamels was taken down for a pinch-hitter and replaced by Ryan Madson, who has been a solid middle reliever, Mike "The Wonder Hamster" Fontenot batted for Bob Howry and smacked his ninth homer to the opposite field, giving hope; when Alfonso Soriano doubled and Ryan Theriot singled, putting the tying run on base, Wrigley Field buzzed loudly, after having been silent most of the evening; and the key play of the inning was the walk to Derrek Lee by Chad Durbin, who has been as good a setup man as anyone in the NL this year.
That brought up Ramirez, and let him tell it in his own words:
"I've been able to do that since the minor leagues," Ramirez said matter-of-factly. "I've always been able to drive in runs. It's something I'm proud of, and I like to be in that situation late in the game."
And we like to see him in those situations late in the game; within the last 14 months he has hit two dramatic walkoffs, against the Brewers and White Sox, and last night's, hit on Durbin's second pitch, though not a walkoff, was nearly as dramatic. It won the game and gave him 99 RBI for the year; one more will give him 100 and put him in second place (tied) in the NL behind the Phils' Ryan Howard, and maybe start some MVP buzz for A-Ram, who has become a complete player and well worth the contract extension he signed before the 2007 season (yes, he flipped his bat and watched the no-doubt-about-it slam. I've criticized others for this; for last night's, he's forgiven).
As I mentioned, Ryan Dempster didn't have his best stuff, walking four and having a sixth inning in which he gave up three hits and three runs, breaking a 1-1 tie and silencing the crowd; as it turned out, this was just warming us up for later. Credit where credit is due: Sean Marshall and Bob Howry kept the game close, and Howry looked particularly good last night, throwing well, and that's a good sign for later.
Beyond this, I have no words -- we have, we hope, two more months of intensity of this nature; the difference in the ballpark from last Sunday was palpable, because of the quality of the opponent, the sixth win in a row, and the fact that, I think, people are starting to get more intense and involved in this most remarkable of seasons. We have been, all of us, waiting all our lives; I don't have to remind you, you know. Savor every day, every moment, because you never know when these Cubs are going to top themselves again.
The pregame thread will post at 11:30 am CDT.
Click here for my scorecard from the game
Aramis Ramirez connects in the 8th inning...
LF bleacher fans celebrate his grand slam!
Ramirez met at the plate by his happy teammates
Cubs win!
Click on photos to open a larger version in a new browser window. All photos by David Sameshima
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Second....
What a game!
4-1 in the 8th and I was preparing to “tip my cap” ….at this point in this season I should just leave my hat on my head!
"When I got to Chicago, fans came to Wrigley Field just to have fun, now they come to see us win. The expectations have changed, for the players and for the fans. It’s about winning." Kerry Wood, 7/14/08
Or tip it to these amazing Cubs.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
This reminds me of
the game in Fla were Ward hit the homer in the ninth. Until the 8th I just kind felt like it wasn’t our night, but this team never gives up and won a game they probably should have lost.
I FREAKIN LOVE THIS TEAM!!!!!
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
Wow
I almost missed the big inning, I was going back and forth between the DNC and the game and decided to stay put when I saw the homerun by the wonder hamster. LOL my wife couldn’t understand why I was screaming grand slam about a political speech.
If the world didn't suck we would all fall off.
hope
Last night was awe-inspiring, giving us all hope for the future. No, not Barry’s speech. Rammy’s GS!
Al: what type of camera do you guys use for the shots from the bleachers?
David can answer this one.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Watched the DVRed game...
after the Barry speech and at around 11pm while rocking our baby to sleep I screamed " Holy Sh@#! Grand Slam!!! My wife comes running into the room thinking somethings wrong and sees me celebrating and my dog (named Wrigley by the way) jumping around. Thank GOD for DVR!
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
hooray for dvr's
this is one of those games that gets burnt to a dvd and get’s added to my winter-watching collection
did you wake up the baby?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
Dude...
This is not a political critique, but get your priorities staright, man. You watch the game and DVR BHO. It’s the Cubs fer cryin’ out loud!
"It's Happening..."
Boy am I glad I recorded this game
but, the game last one out past the allotted time so I didn’t catch the last out of the game.
How did Wood get the last out?
Hamels is a very good pitcher, he had us off balance all night long. I was in the boat with those who initially thought that this wasn’t our night. I thought we would have a chance if we could somehow get Hamels out of the game before the ninth inning (when we presumably would have seen Lidge). 108 pitches is a lot, but with the way Hamels was dominating us, I’m still not sure why Manuel pulled him, especially with as much as the bullpen apparently threw the last couple games. Nevertheless, I thank him for pulling Hamels.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
This is my only concern....
The Cubs against good/solid pitching – they have not faired so well against those type of pitchers, and lets face it, that is who we will face in the next few months.
Either way – great game last night – and yes that place was really really loud!!!! i heard it from my balcony!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
It's funny how we always make
that comment about hitting good pitching, but the fact is, nobody hits good pitching. Guys like Hamels, C.C. and Webb are on their game more often then not and when they are on, nobody hits them. The old saying about good pitching always stopping good hitting is really true.
The key to being successful is capitalizing on opportunities. Hamels was on and there was no way the Cubs were going to get him, but he wasn’t going to complete that game and once we got into their bullpen it was a different story. That’s why I think this team will go a long way this year, they take advantage of what’s given to them. We really could not say that of past Cub playoff teams.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 8:17 AM CDT up reply actions
I see your point....
we have not faired well at all against solid pitching this year – ie hamels in both starts, and the guy is beatable – he does have 8 losses, and yea W/L are not a stat basis, but it is not like the Phillies have a crappy offense.
While i say all of this, the big difference maker between this year and last year is our ability to take the bad pitches and take the walk if needed.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Occasionally it comes down to matchups. Hamels throws
about 50% changeups and he has a very good changeup. The Cubs don’t fare perticularly well against off-speed pitchers and he has been on his game in both instances. Sometimes you have to just tip your hat to the guy and realize that he just beat you. He’s a top of the rotation guy that can give any team fits. I know he has 8 losses this year , but I’ll bet he wasn’t blown outin many of them.
The key is to get into your opponents bullpen. The Cubs have been adept at getting starting pitchers out of games by running pitch counts. Middle relievers are there for a reason. They are not as good as starters or they would be starting. You make your bread and butter against those guys and the Cubs have made those types of pitchers pay this year.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 8:52 AM CDT up reply actions
You are right
the worst loss Hamels took was a 7-3 decision (he gave up all 7 runs, earned). He did give up 6 ERs in another game, but Philly won that one.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
The fact is Philly is a damned good team. I think they are a
little thin in the managing department, but they can compete with the best of them. They field the ball well, the are probably the best power-hitting team in the league and the have speed at the top of their order. The Cubs are playing really well right now and on most night, the Phils would have taken that game.
If the Cubs perform like that in the post-season, look for good things from them.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 9:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Getting to the middle relief
can be tied directly to the Cubs patience and walks totals this year. That’s how we can win games against the top-shelf starting pitchers.
Agreed.
Good starting pitching is a wonderful thing to have, but the Cubs have been so patient this year that the opposing starters are throwing a lot of pitches.
And the Cubs have some fantastic pitching as well. I’d rather see Zambrano and Dempster have bad games now than in October.
I don’t necessarily believe that all middle relievers aren’t good enough to be starters or they would be starting. Some guys just do better throwing every day, and others, ie. Kerry Wood, can’t throw more than 40 pitches in one day anymore.
On that note, throwing Wood 4 games in a row scares me right now. It’s good to know he can do it, but if he blows his arm out now, I’d be very disappointed.
Long days and pleasant nights.
by The Original Dave on Aug 29, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
i'm not worried about woody
I trust Lou to know what he’s doing.
and Marmol needed the night off.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
Yeah, it's hard not to be a little worried.
His pitch counts have gone as follows:
8/25: 13
8/26: 25
8/27: 10
8/28: 18
—————-
Total: 66
That 8/26 game is obviously the one that sticks out. On the bright side, his arm certainly doesn’t appear to be tired. According to Gameday, his last three pitches to Ryan Howard last night were all fastballs clocked at 97, 96 and 96. Nonetheless, I’d assume that Lou will rest him tonight.
Yes, sir!
Hamels was great last night.
While he was throwing all those changeups, I kept thinking that he’s like a left-handed Rich Harden. Fortunately, the Cubs have the right-handed Rich Harden.
Yes, sir!
Hamels...
…reminds me of Santana because they are both lefties.
He is another good example of how effective a pitcher can be if you can change speeds with the same arm motion. Hitters like to be able to lock in for their timing and guys like Hamel, Harden, Santana and even Dempster don’t allow that to happen.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
The last out..
… was a popup to Ramirez, who was playing near the SS position because of an extreme shift on Howard.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Thank you
I am usually good about recording whatever is immediately following the game for situations exactly like this one, but I forgot.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
I was hoping Reed would have double up on the flyout to center...
because at that pint I had about 1 minute left on the DVR recording.
Just because I don't care doesn't mean I don't understand. - Homer J Simpson
He probably should have
He chucked that ball right into the ground a la Jacque Jones….
by salparadise23 on Aug 29, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
he couldn't get anything on the throw b/c all his momentum was going forward
it was a darn good play to even have a shot at doubling up Rollins who is very fast.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
To be fair he didn't have a good grip on the ball
and it was a tough play.
But, yeah…he did.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 9:55 AM CDT up reply actions
Wood got a pop up to Rami to end it
Read somewhere in the Philly paper that Manuel said Hamels was gassed. I’ll go find the link…. but he said that he was starting to lose it.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Watched the post game
on the Philly station ( Live in Delaware) Mitch Williams, who is never a loss for words, essentialy put the loss on Manuel. In a pennant race, have your ace on the mound, facing the best team in the NL, you ride him out. At least start the 8th. I was thrilled they took Hamels out. He is tough, with any support he should have at least 16 wins.
But just a great game. As been mentioned many times before, the key to this team this year IMO and probably others, is this team works counts. They are so much more aware of the strike zone. That is why I surprised Reed struckout twice last night on pitches way out of the zone.
Go Cubs.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
Here we go
Could Hamels have pitched the eighth? Maybe, but manager Charlie Manuel said Hamels was “absolutely spent. Was I thinking about leaving him in? I definitely had a thought about it . . . but I knew there definitely was no sense in sending him back out.”
[source]
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:03 AM CDT up reply actions
It was very humid...
…and I can’t blame him for taking him out after 7.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Amazing....
Before the 8th started I looked at my fiancé and said, “i don’t think it’s going to happen tonight”… and then when ARAM got up with bases loaded, I just knew it would… the guy is one of the BEST clutch hitters in the NL. I wasn’t necessarily thinking GS, but figured he would at minimum drive in 1 with a sac fly or find a gap to tie the game. This has been by far the most impressive Cubs team I’ve witnessed….
I had texted a cubs friend the exact same thing!
I just didn’t see us coming back and oh how wrong I was to ever doubt this team. I was so excited sitting in my chair at home I hate to think what the stadium was like. A slightly open door to this team is very, very dangerous. I just can’t even imagine all that has happened this year, it’s been a dream, a very HAPPY dream.
Like a few others have said, my only concern is being able to hit these top pitchers earlier and not wait until relievers get in. I was concerned, but I guess I shouldn’t have been.
A very valuable Fontenot gets things started, his confidence is something we’ll have to keep up the next two months. THE BIG BLUE TRAIN KEEPS ROLLIN’!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
my roommate (a casual fan)
saw the phils go up 4-1 and was pissed that i still wanted to watch instead of playing him in mlb ’08 for ps3
believe or leave!
’nuf staid
*!@$#@* !*^$*^@ !*$#^$*@*(($ @(@$&@*(_ crazy!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 8:01 AM CDT reply actions
Game tracker
Al, just wanted to say thanks for keeping the game tracker on the side, I’ve enjoyed watching this cubs team climb the ladder as one of the best ever… now ranking 7th All-time!
It is amazing, isn't it?
I’ve enjoyed compiling that day to day, too.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
The "small" crowd may have been Tom Skilling's fault
WGN’s forecast was calling for 80% chance of “thundershowers” last night. I debated all day yesterday whether (no pun intended) to make the trek to see the game. It sure seemed nice outside my house, and not much was on the radar, but the forecast called for doom and gloom. I’m sure other’s felt it was going to get drenched. (Or hey—-it could have been just been an early labor day thing for the smaller attendance…what do I know…)
Anyway, I’m SO glad we went. What a great time. I can still vividly recall a couple of people in CF bleachers throw full beers high into the air right after the Ramirez shot. Somehow, I don’t think those around him minded having a beer shower.
Never count this team out when trailing late
I learned my lesson.
I saw 9-1-2 due up in the inning
and all i could wonder was “hm.. wonder who its gonna be today?”
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
Words fail me...
In the sixth inning I told my wife that I thought we were in for a disappointing finish. I don’t think I’ve ever been so happy to be wrong.
We’re going to the game on Saturday, I hope we see more of the same.
The other sports are just sports. Baseball is a love. ~Bryant Gumbel
WOW!
All I can say is do NOT sleep on the cubbies, as I did unfortunately.
With Howry warming up, I figured we had cashed in for the night and turned the tv off at the end of the 7th.
What a way to wake up this morning! Its so amazing what this team is doing, and the ultimate confidence they have. I’m sure they were saying, just wait till Hamels’ is gone, we’ll get ’em!
Hopefully, this error in judgement will be my last, but as a first-time parent with a newborn my errors in judgement are many these days….
Sing it Goodman!!!
"I got a PBS mind in an MTV world"...Jimmy Buffett
by The Ryno and I Know on Aug 29, 2008 8:25 AM CDT reply actions
I...have...no...words...
Okay, maybe a few.
I started doing dishes after Demp’s second run of the sixth to exercise my frustration (some metal on the radio helped, too). Then a wee visit to the men’s room was in order. Lo and behold I come out to first and third, nobody out. What?! And immediately after Lee’s walk I grabbed the nearest tape cos I knew I needed to record this.
Wow.
I’ve watched it approximately eleventy bajillion times now.
make/art
I have already
re-watched the whole bottom of the 8th inning on mlb.tv a couple of times this morning. Can’t get enough of it.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
This was pretty much my reaction to last night's game, too.
Utterly speechless. This team is a force of nature. They scare me. There should be FEMA trucks parked around Wrigley Field on a nightly basis.
Yes, sir!
In place of speech
I had cheers of celebration that I’m sure my neighbors greatly appreciated.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 9:56 AM CDT up reply actions
hahaha
me too……i think it was just a bunch of "GET OUT! GET OUT!‘’s from me…..i’m sure my neighbors heard, die bitch die
it was one of those times i got done clapping, looked at my hands in pain and realized how hard i was clapping…..i love this team
Mine was Santoesque:
AHHHHH!! UH-WAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! OH MY GAHHHHHHH!!!!
Sumphin like that.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:04 AM CDT up reply actions
Is that a Dr. Evil laugh in there?
UH-WAHAHAHAHA?
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
Could have been.
The moment the ball the left the yard til the pitching change is kinda vague in my mind.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
i whooped so hard i woke up the dog...
and of course she thought that meant “play time!! omgz” so the 9th inning was spent wrestling w/ a golden retriever… :-P
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I did the same
except it meant I was spinning the border collie around the room in celebration. then we had to play for another 30 minutes or so
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Aug 29, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I did the same
except that by “play with the dog” I mean, drinking heavily in celebration…
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 29, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Too good of a mood to be hungover...
…Cubs comeback win+coffee+trip to St Louis to watch Mizzou play this weekend + 34 games over = NO HANGOVER!
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
we convinced the press box attendant to let us crack a couple after the game was over
which i thought was very kind of him.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Aug 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
what is this "tape" you speak of?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
WOW
didn’t get to see the game, but just reading the recap… wow! This team has pixie dust sparkling all over it. Go ARam! Go Cubs!
I'm still shaking my head in disbelief
I guess I should half expect things like this to be happening to this team, but it still feels new almost every time they rally for a win. And the crazy part is, I half expect them to, as well.
I got back from work last night at about 11:30 and instead of watching the news, I immediately turned to recording I had of the game, re-watched the 8th inning with the wife and danced with the dog in joy.
What a fun time to be a Cubs fan.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
My neck is getting sore from shaking in disbelief for 5 months!
This is only the beginning....Lou Pinella end of '07 season and Chicago Transit Authority (the band when they were really good).
This has been
the formula for the Cubs for the better part of the season. It seems like if the Cubs struggle against a starter, they just buckle down, take pitches and know that once they force the opposition to call on the ‘pen, the game is theirs for the taking. Granted, it’s not like they forced Hamels out after five innings, but they got themselves two innings against the pen and took advantage. Great game and one of the biggest wins I have witnessed in my short time as a Cubs fan.
That's a pretty good formula for success. Although Hamels has 8 losses,
he has had some bad luck. Brenly mentioned that his splits for BAA wen from .210 the first time through the order to .230 the third time through. Those are ace-like splits.
The Cubs did exactly what a good team does against a good pitcher. Their pitching was good enough to keep them close and their offense came through when the opportunity presented itself.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 8:59 AM CDT up reply actions
WHY ESPN SUCKS!
Last night, the Cubs highlight was 20 minutes in. Behind about 5 crappy college football games, Yankees/Red Sox highlight (shocker) and a piece on Pac Man being offically reinsitated (wtf)! Nice, can I have an alternate sports network.
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 8:54 AM CDT reply actions
This morning it was top story after a few college games.
I woke up, turned on SC, saw how quickly the Cublights were coming on, and took the quickest shower of my life.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 8:56 AM CDT up reply actions
My wife always gets on my case
for wanting to watch the highlights for a game that I just got done watching. She just doesn’t understand it.
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
Women.
(no offense, of course, to the fine ladies of BCB)
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 8:58 AM CDT up reply actions
My wife
re-reads Harry Potter books and re-watches Cary Grant movies, as I often remind her, to make her understand why I feel like you do about Cubs highlights, especially of a game like last night’s.
"Earthly fame is naught but a breath of wind, which now comes hence and now comes thence, changing its name because it changes quarter." -- Dante, Purgatorio, Canto XI
by sweetswinger on Aug 29, 2008 9:54 AM CDT up reply actions
Mine either.
She doesn’t understand my need to soak in the postgame coverage and highlights after the Cubs win.
Yes, sir!
Tell them that those highlights and postgame banter is like "pillow talk" atfer you-know-what.
That may put it into perspective for them.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 29, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
Mine too! It is a freaking conspiracy........
but I don’t really blame her when we have to wade through stupid football highlights and all the other crap espn gets fixated on. By the way, what did Favre end up deciding on?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
SWL funniest post I've read in ages.. although that might land you on the couch for a night. LMAO
As both a female and a Cubs fan, I would compare it to when she is flipping thru the channels and see the last 10 minutes of Pretty Woman or When Harry met Sally and sits and watches although she’s seen the movie tons of times.
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
and.....
Aramis’ Grand Slam didnt make the top 10 plays.
Unreal.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
What?
It was number 1 last night on SC.
Current temperature in hell: 44 degrees F - and falling!
not on the sportscenter this morning...
It did not even make it in the top 10. number 1 was the colts (preseason mind you) kickoff return.
At 6 am i was throwing stuff around my condo i was so pissed.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
Saw it too
Number 1 on Sportscenter. How could it not?
After the Yankees-Red Sox Last Time @ Yankee Stadium retrospective, however.
i am telling the truth!!!!
This mornings sportscenter – 10 top plays, it came on at 5:55am, it was not in the top 10. Why would i lie!!!!!
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
we don't thnk you're lying
but it WAS #1 last night…
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 29, 2008 9:58 AM CDT up reply actions
OK.
Cuz there are only 2 people i lie to:
My wife and my girlfriend! TOTALLY KIDDING
Seriously though – the funning thing about this morning was that they used a clip of him swinging to introduce the top 10. Like saying this was good, but not good enough.
"I love this world. I hope hell is as much fun!"
ESPN had their schedules delayed last night...
…for some reason. The stupid Football program was still on even though it was scheduled time to switch to baseball tonight. Even still, I think it was after the second commercial break when they got to the Cubs. But, I hate how ESPN and mlb.com are so incredibly biased toward the AL – especially anything to do with the Yankees or the Red Sox.
+1
I was very tired and ready for bed (Eastern time zone for me and I get up early for work) but couldn’t go to bed until I saw the SportCenter highlights. If this had been a game involing the red sox or yankee’s they would have had a panel dissuscion on what this means for the rest of the season, etc… but no, just a quick highlight.
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
Totally agree.
After the ’GN coverage ended, I flipped over to ESPN hoping to see BBTN or even Sportscenter and found only college football. Very disappointing.
Yes, sir!
ESPN's football coverage = baseball held hostage
Unfreakingbelieveable.
Remember when the NFL preseason meant absolutely nothing?
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:14 AM CDT up reply actions
NFL preseason games are meaningless
But the injuries are real!!!!!!
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
I'll give you that
but I’ve had to listen so often to myopics about how their team was going to dominate because of how they did in the preseason, while my teams, usually 0-3 or 1-2, ended up doing better than theirs. You couldn’t tell them “The games mean nothing”
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:20 AM CDT up reply actions
You are correct
the Year the COLTS started 13-0 they were 0-5 in the preseason. The Colts always suck in the preseason, but when the games count the step it up. I’m a big NFL fan but the preseason bores the crap out of me. Team A’s second string players are better then Team B’s third string, who cares!!!!
"Destiny is a matter of choice, not chance"
It still does.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
YOU CAN'T STOP US!
You can only hope to contain us!
I'm not going to even bother trying to update this sig everyday anymore... that's what the standings column on ESPN is for.
Updated on May 25, 2008
My game story
I was IMing with my friend in Philadelphia who is coming here this weekend finalizing our plans for the game Sunday and stuff we’re doing on Monday and tonight. She is actually landing at Ohare just about right now with her husband.
Her husband was watching the game and she said “He just unleashed words he almost never uses” and said they were amazed at the atmosphere on their tv setsand even though they will root for the Phillies obviously they are looking forward to that on Sunday.
The place is rocking. Al is right. We’ve been waiting for this our entire lives. Savor this every moment. Remember this to tell your grandkids someday.
To paraphrase Green Day
So take these photographs and still frames in your mind
Hang it on a shelf in good faith and in good time
Keep up the memories it’s the end of our trials
For what’s it’s worth it will be worth all the while
It was somewhat unpredictable but let’s hope it ends right
The Cubs are giving us the time of our lives.
Go Cubs
I laughed when I heard that song...
… played at the end of the 1998 season, as if it were a song written for nostalgia and remembrance.
It’s about a guy who just got dumped by his girlfriend.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Me too
When I first heard the song I hadn’t heard it before and it seemed so perfect I thought it was written for the Cubs.
That’s why I changed a few words to make it more appropo.
I still say Van Morrison’s These Are the Days is the perfect song for this season.
These are the days of the endless summer
These are the days the time is now
There is no past there’s only the furure
There’s only here there’s only now
And there’s another line later “the fires of spring are kindling bright”
Go Cubs
by puckishcubsfan on Aug 29, 2008 9:23 AM CDT up reply actions
Wrigley was rockin'!
I didn’t think it get louder than it did when Aramis hit the walk-off against the Sox, last night definitely topped that. What an amazing game.
"Remember each day this year, where you were, what you were doing, who you were with, how you felt as the Cubs win their way through it. Because if this does turn out to be the promised land we have all been waiting for, you will want to remember, savor, cherish every moment..."
Someone was kind enough to post Pat Hughes' call of Ward's homer in Florida.
Anyone have Pat and Ron’s call from last night?
make/art
It's already on the
recommended list
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
Cheers.
I was looking in the fanshots.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 9:03 AM CDT up reply actions
Oh, What a Night!
But it’s not complete until I read Al’s entry on the game. With 100 billion media avenues to explore, I enjoy BCB’s game-after analysis the most!
What a day! First my brother and I both cash in the same no-limit hold’em tournament in Atlantic City, I come home just as the game starts, watch Hamels deal his filth and then the amazing comeback. Unreal.
""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone
I was watching the speech but a friend sent me multiple texts ....
when I got the Cubs win text, my first thought after being happy they won was that I couldnt wait to read Al’s recap. :)
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 9:49 AM CDT up reply actions
All I can say is...
…what a ballclub!!
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Cool that Randy Hundley was in the booth
for the fireworks!
""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone
Hundley...
…is a great guy as I have had the pleasure of meeting him a few times because my brother and he play a lot of golf together. You can understand why Leo leaned on him so much, as the guy knows the game inside and out.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
Anyone know if there are any books written by or about Randy Hundley
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
I have no clue
n/t
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
I googled it and didnt find anything.
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 29, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
So I had had tickets for last night
and traded them for this afternoon since I had a conflict last night. So I hope today can come close to the thrill it must have been last night. Though I’d be content with a non-thrilling win, of course.
Does anyone care about the Bears right now?
I heard they won their preseason game last night. And I’m thinking “oh cool…. BUT THE CUBS WON!”
The Who?
(he said, feeling Abbott-and-Costello-ish this morning)
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
The Who's on first
opening for Zeppelin
""At the end of the day, boys, you don't tell me how rough the water is, you bring in the ship." -- Steve Stone
by kentmeister on Aug 29, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
I just watched some Bears highlights on NFL.com.
I saw Orton throw probably the deepest pass of his career. To two Browns players. I didn’t even see any Bears in the video at all. It was fan-freaking-tastic. I want to drive hot pokers through my eyes as soon as baseball season is over.
The Bad News Bears really suck!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 9:57 AM CDT up reply actions
but hey
we beat the browns! Be proud!
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Eh. By the time baseball's over
it’ll nearly be time for the superbowl, and then that dark time in american life before the preseason.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
I was late turning on the game
because of men’s golf league. I turned it on right after Soriano’s double that followed the Hampster’s HR. Just in time to see Theriot’s single( seriously why dont they put all their infielders on the right side, does he ever single anywhere other than right there). After D-Lee walked my girfriend looked at the TV and said “Oh no are they down 4-2? and its already the eighth?” i said" yeah but they’re loaded and Ramirez is up, We’re gonna win."
I was that confident that it would happen. That’s just how this team is.
actually
he’s been working on trying to pull the ball.
Note that I say “trying”.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Phillies trade for Matt Stairs?
So I hear.
The Mets are screwed now! I heard they’re looking into picking up Lenny Harris.
The article
"says"http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=3559308 that the Phillies needed a left handed bat. I am confused by that since they already have rolins, utley and howard, those are good left handed bats
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
screwed that up
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
You get
2000 BCB points, if Al sees fit to award them ;)
When you're eight games behind, it's like eight miles; when you're eight games in front, it's like eight inches. ~ Ron Santo
LOL
Of course!
Stairs a Phillie. Just where are they going to play him?
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Lefty bat off the bench
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:50 AM CDT up reply actions
FWIW...
… Stairs homered off Sean Gallagher when the Cubs were in Toronto on June 13.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
only if they play the A's
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
SS, J-Roll is history.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 9:51 AM CDT up reply actions
The buffet...
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 29, 2008 9:52 AM CDT up reply actions
I guess they felt that they needed ...............
a big power bat that strikes out every other plate appearance.
where is that big SARCASM sign!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions 1 recs
wait a second
don’t they already have that??
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
hence the sarcasm!
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
oh, now you're being sarcastic.................right?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Did you just call yourself sarcastic?
Was that sarcastic?
;)
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
Did I just call myself what?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 10:58 AM CDT up reply actions
i just always undervalued those kind of players i guess..
lol
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
But...
that wasn’t sarcasm. I saw only truth.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:05 AM CDT up reply actions
I must admit.
I pretty much gave up on them last night with Hamels on the mound and started watching the DNC. I thought there was no way Hamels wouldn’t pitch the 8th inning even with his pitch count at 108. FLipped it back exactly when Theriot singled to RF.
You just can’t give up on this team, they’re unbelievable.
Over time, your quickness with a cocky rejoinder must have gotten you many punches in the face - Al Swearengen
Let me ask this - how could ANYBODY be doing ANYTHING other than watching these Cubs play?
Obama, golf, work, wife, watering the lawn, yadda yadda
I'll take my 20 lashes.
My wife confiscated the remote control around the time you-know-who was taking the stage in Denver and, seeing as how Hamels was dominating and appeared to be cruising toward a complete game, I didn’t put up much of a fight. I did grab our laptop and fire up Gameday, but our wireless router crapped out at one point and I wasn’t able to check back in on the game until the top of the ninth.
Suffice to say, I was simultaneously ecstatic (about the game) and enraged (about my failure to see it). I did, however, watch the Gameday replay clips of Aramis’s grand slam and Fontenot’s blast about 10 times each. And I waited up to see the highlights on the WGN news. I’ll probably log into my mlb.tv account now and watch the eight inning in its entirety. Still, I wish I’d seen that eighth inning when it happened.
Yes, sir!
Something tells me
you’ll have plenty more opportunities to see this team do the awesome this year.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
My son had a nightmare
so I was comforting him. Walked back into the room with the TV AFTER Fonty’s HR, AFTER Soriano’s double, AFTER Riot’s single, but before Lee’s walk.
Saw Lee walk, saw Rami come up to the plate… and started Hoping.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
My game story
Not the same as being there, but one that I’ll remember.
I went to the Packers’ game last night (remember, no politics on the board!) with a Brewer fan friend of mine and a sorta Tiger, sorta Cub, sorta non-committal friend.
I wasn’t able to get updates on the game via the net on the cell phone in the seating area, so I called my dad. It was 1-0. I called 40 minutes later, still 1-0, with Fukudome on 1st. Dad called a few minutes later to tell me it was tied and that he wouldn’t be staying up too much longer.
At the end of the football game, he called to say it was 4-1 going into the 8th, and he’d be going to bed soon. No surprise there — he wasn’t giving up, but my parents don’t stay up all that late usually. Less than fifteen minutes later, I was in the gift shop, and he called back — “I thought you were going to bed?” Well, Fontentot homered and Soriano doubled. “Oh, okay.”
When we walked out of the stadium, I could get the updates on the phone, and the Cubs had 1st and 3rd with Lee up. The phone rang again, and I got the “live update” regarding the pitching change. Back to the net — Lee up, 3-1 count, walks. The phone rings again. “Yes, bases loaded, Ramirez due.” No, he hit a grand slam. “Oh. Okay, that’ll work.” Intentionally using a casual conversational tone so as not to tip my friends off. “Are you staying up?” I might was the reply . . .
Hung up the phone, patted the Brewer fan on the back, and said just as conversationally, “Ramirez swings, there’s a drive, way back. It might be. It could be. It is. Grand Slam.” That was more fun than yelling would have been.
Watched the end of the game at The Bar, a few Brewers fans cheered at the leadoff hit, so I made sure to clap loudly for the final out. Got a few looks, but only my friend flipped me off.
Facts are meaningless. You could use facts to prove anything that's even remotely true! --Homer J. Simpson
by Shanghai Badger on Aug 29, 2008 9:47 AM CDT reply actions
I don't know what to say.
Been thinking of a way to sum up my feelings all morning, don’t have one.
:::SIGH::: What a game.
Is there a link to Pat’s call of Rami’s GS?
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 29, 2008 9:50 AM CDT reply actions
In the recommended FanPost section.
"That's my opinion and if you don't like it, well, I have others." ~ Groucho Marx
Al maybe you want to add that to your recap???
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 9:53 AM CDT up reply actions
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 29, 2008 9:52 AM CDT reply actions
Where's Milton?
or should it be Where in the World is Milton Waddams?
has it landed yet?
man, that was a bomb.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:01 AM CDT up reply actions
and that's how i know i'm a BCB regular
i’ve been thinking about Milton and the Liberty Bell since Howard’s End last night.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Aug 29, 2008 10:29 AM CDT up reply actions
How far they've come
If you guys haven’t heard Charles Tillman of the Bears has a daughter who is facing a serious health issue (she had a heart transplant on July 31st)
I posted a prayer request on a forum I’m a part of saying it puts a possible 100 win season for the Cubs and the QB controversey in perspective and it reminds me I posted about DLee’s daughter 2 years ago at the same place and how it put a possible 100 loss season in perspective.
Guys Peanut is a wonderful guy one of my favorite people in the Chicago Sports Scene. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
Go Cubs
i knew he was missing practice
due to “personal reasons”… but i had no idea.
thanks for letting us know. peanut was doing weekly radio last year and he was great. i’ll keep her & the family in my thoughts.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 9:59 AM CDT up reply actions
That was really sad to hear. Peanut is one
of the really good guys on that team. Sound a lot like what D-Lee went through with his daughter. hope everything works out.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:07 AM CDT up reply actions
Upstairs watching the game
Ramy dials up and goes deep, I ran downstairs, wife and daughters had HGTV on, told them to switch the channel and watch the replay. They also got a charge out of it. Since we went to Chicago this year my wife asks everday how the Cubs do, before the trip, nothing. She loved the City and Wrigley.
Also, I loved Victorino’s reaction in center, Didn’t even move.
Go Cubs.
"Have You heard of the Boom on Mizar 5?"
i've said it before and i'll say it again
it doesn’t bother me when players admire their homeruns (as opposed to 400ft singles), so if aramis wants to admire his hr, let him……..after all, it wasn’t my hr or your hr, it was his hr and until i can hit a ball that like that, far be it for me to tell him how to act
and let them eat cake too
Eventual game-winner, at home, come-from-behind, no-doubter GRAND SLAM against a tough, playoff-caliber team.
The man could have popped a beer and done carthwheels for all I cared.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:09 AM CDT up reply actions
Phillies Phans mostly.
As I've told you before, I never repeat myself.
by santoswoodenlegs on Aug 29, 2008 10:10 AM CDT up reply actions
Screw em. Throw the ball down the middle of the
plate to a good power hitter, you’d better expect some bad results.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:17 AM CDT up reply actions
You're not kidding
that ball was absolutely crushed.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 29, 2008 10:19 AM CDT up reply actions
Len was even caught offguard
intending to say “Did Ramirez…” only to have it come out “Damirez…!”
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:21 AM CDT up reply actions
no kidding
i love how loud len got too. you could tell he felt like he had to yell to hear himself.
just an awesome moment.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
TWSS
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
yep
my favorite part of his BIG homerun calls.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
According to the Trib...
Phillies center fielder Shane Victorino didn’t budge as the ball sailed toward the bleachers
Brian McRae's 5 O'Clock Shadow
by PurpleLineToWrigley on Aug 29, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
I noticed that, too
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
It was two quick steps to the right and STOP.
Looked over the shoulder and that was it. Pretty amazing.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
anyone w/ ears knew that one was gone
between the crowd & the sound off the bat….
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:25 AM CDT up reply actions
You see the guy behind the plate
who simply pulled his hat off in stunned silence?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:27 AM CDT up reply actions
We've seen a bit of that from opposing catchers and pitchers this year
I like it. Better them than us.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:51 AM CDT up reply actions
lol
Not what I meant, but well done. :D
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
no
but that is a priceless reaction.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:54 AM CDT up reply actions
This complaining about how guys react after
they hit a home run is getting pretty ridiculous. It’s up to the pitcher to keep the batter from beating him. You got your but kicked, accept it and move on. The best way to stop a reation from a batter is to get him out!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Eh.
there is a line (and that line is harder to cross when you’re the home team), but in essence i agree.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Of course there's a line you don't want
to cross. It’s not like he was out there moonwalking around the bases. It seems like now that you hear complaints from any reaction from a player. You can’t expect a guy to hit a grand slam to put your team ahead in the eight inning during a pennant race and put his head down and run around the bases. That’s not realistic. Get the batter out and there won’t be any reaction.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:37 AM CDT up reply actions
i agree
but i was saying that there is a line where admiring your HR is obnoxious…
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
That line seems to change depending on which side you are on.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
yep
and depending on the result… if you cadillac it and all the wall does is bang off the wall, then you’ll be booed.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
The bottom line is anyone
from Bashful Bob to Senor McObnoxiouspants had every right to admire that shot last night.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
I think there's a time and place
and when you crush a grand slam to give your team the lead, you can watch it. Now, if you’re down 5 runs and hit a solo homer, no posing please.
I love to play baseball. I'm a baseball player. I've always been a baseball player. I'm still a baseball player. That's who I am. - Ryne Sandberg
by Bill Potter on Aug 29, 2008 10:32 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
A grand slam in your home park to take the lead against a potential playoff opponent. Yeah, I think a bit of posing is more than understandable. And it really was only a couple seconds before Aramis put his head down and ran the bases.
Yes, sir!
Nobody
but Al gets flack sometimes for only getting on certain players for watching their shots and not everyone.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 29, 2008 10:11 AM CDT up reply actions
I don't think anyone thought it was
given the circumstances. However, there always seems to be a nattering nabob that will come out and say something along the lines of, “Soriano would be crucified for doing that. Why don’t you criticize Aram (or DeRo or Edmonds, etc) for doing that?”
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 29, 2008 10:18 AM CDT up reply actions
In that exact situation
no, nobody would have said a word about Fonzie.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:22 AM CDT up reply actions
One would certainly hope not.
In a season full of great moments, that was in the top 5.
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 29, 2008 10:26 AM CDT up reply actions
A few years ago, when the Cubs were three or more runs down
I’d turn off the game, because I knew the Cub bats would go to sleep after that.
I know better with this team. Truly amazing, the amount of ’don’t quit’ in these guys.
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:16 AM CDT reply actions
hahaha
so it HAS landed!!
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
You mean
it’s still on this planet?
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 10:23 AM CDT up reply actions
It's currently orbiting Earth.
It’s designation is Ramis-246.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:28 AM CDT up reply actions
Can never count this team out
The patient approach at the plate has been the key to the whole season. Working counts and getting ahead into hitters counts and good things will happen. Also to mention this team has no easy outs in the lineup, its a beautiful thing to see
"This is why Major League Baseball does not need instant replay, because then every single play will then be reviewed." -- Joe Morgan, 5/18/08, referring to an umpire ruling a Carlos Delgado homerun foul when replays showed it hit the foul pole.
any team that can have geo sometimes in the 8 spot
says a lot about their offense
"A catchers biggest concern behind the plate is to make his pitcher pitch a little better than he can" Roy Campanella
by Madison Cub Fan on Aug 29, 2008 10:38 AM CDT up reply actions
+1
Linus: Life is rarely all one way, Charlie Brown. You win some, you lose some. Charlie Brown: Really? Gee, that'd be neat.
by CyberCyclist on Aug 29, 2008 10:39 AM CDT up reply actions
it was funny
i was looking at the philly fan reaction to the game and they couldn’t understand WHY derosa could bat 8th b/c of his numbers, like the idea of having a lineup NOT dictated by the top of the order guys was foregin to them. it was strange.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:41 AM CDT up reply actions
It's like having a problem deciding
which of your three Cadillac’s to drive tonight.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:44 AM CDT up reply actions
Or, in Soriano's case...
…which of his Hummers. And speaking of Alfonso, did anyone else hear that he and his wife just had a baby? Yeah, Pat and Ron mentioned it in the early part of yesterday’s game. I wasn’t even sure whether he was married. But apparently he is, and Alfonso and his wife now have five kids – all of whose names start with ‘A.’
Yes, sir!
L&B mentioned it
during the first inning.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:46 AM CDT up reply actions
Her name's Alfonseca I believe.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 10:47 AM CDT up reply actions
Antonia? How many fingers does she have?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
that's her middle name
Her first name is like Alecia or something similar
The only stats I care about are the ones on the back of a baseball card
by carmen_fanzone on Aug 29, 2008 10:55 AM CDT up reply actions
That's right/
Reports says Fonzie’s wife admired the birth for too long before resting.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 11:05 AM CDT up reply actions
And the family waiting room...
…and nurse’s station cleared after one of the CNAs threw a gauze pad at Soriano’s wife’s head.
Yes, sir!
I think Lou...
…smells a Soriano homer binge coming, and he wants DeRosa (good OBP) in that 8th hole to be onboard if Soriano starts going off.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
he's been trying to build that part of the order
so that fonzie has rbi chances all year…
i love how when our line up turns over you just dont’ get a break.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 10:45 AM CDT up reply actions
It appears...
…as though Lou has tried to have a true leadoff type hitter in the 2 hole (ahead of Lee, Ramirez and the 5 hole) and then another one down in the order to give Soriano more RBI opportunities with his power.
You gotta give the players credit for performing and Lou credit for recognizing how to manipulate this thing for maximum output.
"I don't like them fellas that drive in two runs but let in three" Casey Stengel
true
but Fonzie has been acting more like a true leadoff hitter of late anyway — lots of singles and a few doubles, not a lot of power.
Hope he gets it back.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
can you smell what the CUBS ARE COOKIN????
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 10:48 AM CDT up reply actions
isn't it illegal to eat horse?
"Bring On The Major Leagues" Stephen Malkmus
by graceunderpressure on Aug 29, 2008 10:50 AM CDT up reply actions
not in France.
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
You know what they call a horseburger in France?
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
A royale with cheese?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 11:42 AM CDT up reply actions
And circle gets the square!
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 11:48 AM CDT up reply actions
OK. How much does a quarter pound of horsemeat weigh in France?
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 11:50 AM CDT up reply actions
Same as it weighs anywhere else.
Quarter pound.
make/art
by neverAcquiesce on Aug 29, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
You are just too clever for me!
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 11:53 AM CDT up reply actions
And there's a big difference
when a player hits a home run like that at home vs on the road. Aram wasn’t showing anyone up and the Phillies know that…
Get 'em on, Get 'em over, Get 'em in!
Huge, and huge momentum
The adrenalin from watching that comeback and that shot last night kept me up way too late.
From the Electric Hampster, who started it off, to Aramis, who is looking MVP, it was the type of comeback that takes the wind out of an opponent. I was hoping for a split or better, but just like that first game in Milwaukee, I think that this game might just the beginning of a surge to a series sweep.
There were great moments in Pittsburgh, but against a team like the Phillies, these are sky-high, adrenalin moments.
The Electric Hamster
starring Robert Redford, also starring Jane Fonda, John Saxon and Willie Nelson
"Years of academy training, wasted"--Buzz Lightyear (not a flying toy)
by spoiledcubbage on Aug 29, 2008 11:08 AM CDT up reply actions
Wow.
I’m sitting at my desk still in awe of my Wrigley experience last night. Amazing, simply amazing.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
Regarding attendance
I walked up last night and got 2 seats in section 121 right behind home plate. There were dozens of empty seats around us. Not sure if the Phillies wives/VIPs gave back a bunch of seats or what. But, it might be worth trying this tactic for the rest of the series, too. Of course, the seats were $66 or something like that, so they ain’t cheap. Box office staff said bullpen and dugout boxes were also available but those are too pricey for me.
when did you walk up? How long before the game?
Our 2008 Chicago Cubs -- FINDING WAYS TO WIN!
by drewishdrewid on Aug 29, 2008 11:39 AM CDT up reply actions
a few minutes
Like, we didn’t even make it to the seats until the game had started.
Rami is going to be on ESPN 1000
in a few minutes. Live from Wrigley.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 11:21 AM CDT reply actions
Also line up is out
Fonzie
Riot
Lee
Rami
Edmonds
Derosa
Dome
Blanco
Harden
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 11:23 AM CDT up reply actions
A Ram's bat flip
“yes, he flipped his bat and watched the no-doubt-about-it slam. I’ve criticized others for this; for last night’s, he’s forgiven”
There is nothing to forgive. He didn’t taunt anyone. There is no reason for a ball player to pretend not to enjoy a moment. They aren’t golfers for God’s sake. If this is wrong, then the players standing around home plate to high five him are wrong. The players in the dugout cheering are wrong. The curtain call was wrong. The fans were wrong for cheering. Give me a break.
Reed Ballgame - best CF in the MLB
by californiachicagoan on Aug 29, 2008 11:26 AM CDT reply actions
Rami on Fonenot:
“he’s a strong little guy”
LMAO
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 11:30 AM CDT up reply actions
Hamsters have been known to lift 10 times their body weight.
"Hats for bats.....keep bats warm." - Pedro Cerrano
"Hey bartender, Jobu needs a refill !!!!!!!" - Eddie Harris
by willie mays hayes' gloves on Aug 29, 2008 11:35 AM CDT up reply actions
Waddle...
“What would happen if you went up Z and said just shut up and pitch”
Rami… “I don’t want to find out.”
Priceless.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
that was a great line
the pause…. “i don’t want to find out”
hahaha
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 11:40 AM CDT up reply actions
Aramis:
A bit of unfinished business from playoffs, we didn’t get it done offensively.
The clubhouse is good.
You can’t calm down Zambrano and trying would probably make him pitch worse. You can try to talk to him from 3B, but thats how he pitches.
When asked about his numbers/the slam: We’ve got a good team. Everyone does their jobs. I love to be up in that spot. I love to be the hero, but you can’t try to do too much.
The Walk: Weapon of choice for the 2008 Cubs
by halfblindcubbiegirl on Aug 29, 2008 11:38 AM CDT reply actions
theriot sucks!
all he does is get singles that get him on base safely, which sets up aramis to hit a gs
DFA!
somebody needs to fire up a fanpost regarding this
i’m absolutely amazed that so far no one on this board has said “what a great win last night, with that being said i must say……..” and then they follow it up with some complaint
i figured someone was pissed woody didn’t go 1,2,3 against the stud-filled phillies lineup
I LOVE this team!!!
I TiVo’d the game for my son and replayed the eighth…AMAZING!
You ARE freaking out MAN!
Plus a million.
I was surprised at the number of people leaving after the 7th and the beginning of the 8th. It didn’t matter though, the people that stayed (including me and my friend) got to see something special. I’ve never been less upset to experience a beer shower, though who ever would throw a full $6.75 drink in the air is beyond me.
Go All In and Enjoy The Ride.
beating hamels means....
……we ought to take 3 of 4
anything less than 5-2 on this home stretch will be disappointing
and then buckle up for a ROUGH september
Al you love stats
here’s one for ya…..the Cubs now have just as many HOME victories, as seattle does TOTAL victories
the wonder hamster ?
I have heard Fontenot referred to as LBR (little Babe Ruth) by Santo and “Little Fontenot”
by Piniella but I don’t think I have heard him referred to as the “Wonder Hamster”. When did that start?
wccubfan
What a game!
I was like you, Al, ready to tip my sweat-stained Cubs batting practice hat to Hamels, he was on top of his game and it looked like the Phils would prevail. Then, he’s yanked and I think, now we have a chance. Fontenot hits his jack and Sori almost follows with another. The crowd is getting that feeling again and I was, too. Lee had a good AB and I swear to God, after ARam took that first pitch for a ball, I said to myself, be ready, he’s going to toss up a get me over meatball. When Rammy swung out of shoes and flipped the bat I was jumping and screaming!!! I love how Victorino took a step back and then turned around to face the infield. When Woody closed out the 9th and the joyous strains of GCG blasted throughout Wrigleyville and my house, I had tears in my eyes singing along. I felt so happy, this team is so full of character and grit, to hang in there, every pitch, every inning, and just win. This season is getting better day by day, if that’s possible. I am savoring this as much as I can, as great as the past winning season have been, this one has such an exciting feel that I can’t describe.
"WGN, Channel 9 Cubs Baseball, Excitingly, Importantly, Dramatically Yours." - Jack Brickhouse
The Top 100 Cubs Of All Time - #56 Aramis Ramirez
How quickly has Aramis vaulted himself into the top 20? top 10? over just the last 2 seasons.
Late in a game he has to be one of the most feared batters in baseball.
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